Users are now accessing the internet on mobile phones and various other devices at an ever increasing rate, even surpassing desktop users in the United States. This shift in technology has dramatically changed the way we access internet content. The increase in mobile phone internet usage has not only forced us to adapt to a new environment, but has also altered the way in which society interacts on a daily basis.
If you own a mobile device, I’m sure you’re more than familiar with the struggles associated with trying to view a non-mobile friendly website. The zooming, pinching and panning around the screen while squinting to complete the simplest of tasks definitely is detrimental to the users experience, and has no doubt deterred many potential customers from viewing your website in the past.
Well, guess what? Everything’s about to change!
As of April 21 2015, Google will be making two major changes to its algorithms to further improve Google search experience and to help users discover more mobile-friendly content. Google will now be favouring sites that offer their users a mobile friendly version, and penalising those that don’t.
So, what does all of this mean? Put simply, if your site isn’t compliant with Google’s mobile guidelines, your website ranking will suffer.
From this date, results will be tailored to the user, by identifying your device and providing you with relevant websites that have been granted a “Mobile Friendly” tag. After all, if you’re searching for a product or service on your phone, it makes sense to be provided with results that are directly relevant, easy to view and convenient.
While Google hasn’t listed the exact requirements to achieve the mobile friendly tag, they have provided a few tools to help analyse your sites mobile friendliness such as a mobile friendly test and the mobile guidelines documentation
So, what does this mean for you? If you’ve already upgraded to a mobile responsive site, well done! You’re sure to start seeing improvements in your Google ranking in no time.
Don’t forget to check out Google’s checklists to ensure you’re on the right track. Quick tip: Make sure you have a respectable page speed!
Don’t fret, if you’re yet to join the mobile responsive crew, MyWork can help you out! If you’re interested in learning more about making your website Mobile Friendly, give our friendly team a call today on 1300 809 424.